British Library Extension Confirmed

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31 March 2025

The much-anticipated plan to extend the Grade I listed British Library is set to go ahead.

 

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Proposals to extend the library were granted by Camden Council in July 2024, however it is only this month (March 2025) that Tokyo-based real estate company Mitsui Fudosan has confirmed that it will commit to the development.

The project is a partnership between the British Library and SMBL Developments (owned by Mitsui Fudosan) with architects RSHP, development manager Stanhope, engineers Arup, DSDHA (public realm) and planning consultants Newmark.

Around 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) of new public space will double the size of the library’s existing gallery, and 600,000 sq ft (55,800 sq m) of commercial space will be available for occupiers in the life sciences sector, due to its proximity to the Francis Crick Institute and Alan Turing Institute.

Within this commercial space, residents will have access to affordable workspaces, including “incubator desks” within the library’s new business spaces, with 10 per cent of these free to use by Camden residents. 

The design opens up the Library across three sides and creates new, publicly accessible areas and routes, connecting it to Somers Town and St Pancras. Eventually, the site will be supported by a new underground station, linking Euston and St Pancras.

Culture, Science and Technology Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "The British Library is one of the greatest British cultural institutions and this funding will see it undergo an ambitious transformation, creating new spaces that will showcase our national story and history.

"The creation of a new world-class commercial science and innovation space in London's Knowledge Quarter will also help encourage investment in this vital sector in the UK. I look forward to seeing how this major development will benefit the local community and beyond, supporting growth and innovation."

Rebecca Lawrence, Chief Executive of the British Library, added: "I am delighted to announce this significant milestone in our bold ambition to transform the British Library. Our partnership with Mitsui Fudosan will enable us to fulfil our long-held vision to extend the Library’s site in St Pancras. The plans will open up the Library even further, creating an expanded national library with state-of-the-art new spaces, harnessing the power of collaboration to build a new public realm linking communities and the Knowledge Quarter and deliver significant investment in the UK.

"We look forward to working with philanthropists, our partners and community to create a groundbreaking new hub for science, innovation and knowledge that will welcome future generations of visitors, learners, researchers and budding entrepreneurs."

Work is anticipated to begin on-site in 2026.

Picture: a CGI which shows proposals of a new public area in the library, with common areas with seating and access to the collections. Image Credit: British Library

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 31 March 2025

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